Topically Yours with guest Dread Scott (slave revolt)

Host Deardra Shuler talks with artist Dread Scott regarding his 6 year project in collaboration with John Akomfrah, Ghanaian-British artist, filmmaker, and writer on the Slave Rebellion Reenactment. Jointly they created the film documentation of a performance that includes hundreds of local community members in New Orleans who start in the River Parishes of New Orleans on Nov. 8, and for 2 days November 8-9, reenact a 26-mile Slave Rebellion that will end in Congo Square at an event featuring music and dance from community artists including trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis, rapper Truth Universal and the Kumbuka African Drum & Dance Collective. In 1811, those who hoped to abolish slavery took part in the uprising.  Individuals such as Charles Deslondes, Gilbert, Marie Rose, Jessamine, Quamana, Jupiter and others will be celebrated. 

The  German Coast 1811 uprising its said, claimed a total of 200 to 500 slaves participating in a 2-day, twenty six-mile march, wherein slaves burned five plantation houses, several sugarhouses, and crops. They were armed mostly with hand tools. Only 2 whites died and 45 slaves. Whites captured and killed many of the revolting slaves, killing other blacks without trial, as they went along.  Decapitating them and putting their heads on poles as a scare tactic to prevent future revolts.

The Slave Rebellion Enactment is a large-scale community-engaged art performance and film project reimagining the largest rebellion of enslaved people in the United States. This project was done in an effort to reclaim a narrative, redefine freedom and revive a story of revolutionary action. This is a project about resistance and freedom, exploring a significant moment in history, to reflect on how the past collides with the present.